Franz Beckenbauer has claimed Barcelona are an “ordinary” team without Lionel Messi before his Bayern Munich team attempt mission impossible against them in the Champions League semi on Tuesday night.
And the president of Bayern stated the club will provide Pep Guardiola with big money to rebuild his squad if he stays at the club next season.
The Argentine scored twice in the 3-0 win in the first leg at the Nou Camp last week and the Catalans arrive in Bavaria on the back of an 18-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
And the Kaiser told L'Equipe: “Messi is unbelievable. In the last few months, he has refound his best form. At Barcelona, it is him and only him that makes the difference.
“Without Messi, Barcelona would only be an ordinary team, which was the case two years ago when Bayern destroyed Barca (7-0 on aggregate in the Champions League semis) when the Argentine wasn't playing well.”
In pictures - Barcelona 3-0 Bayern Munich
Former Barcelona coach Guardiola has again stated his desire to stay at the Allianz Arena next season – and Beckenbauer promised him backing to build his own Bayern side.
“Personally, I hope he stays longer at Munich,” said the former sweeper, now 69. “His contract expires in a year and we want him to sign a new deal.
“And he has the ability to attract the big players easily to Munich, a bit like Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. If Pep extends his deal, I will be the happiest of men.”
He added: “I am convinced the club is going to recruit several big players. Half a dozen players are over 30 and the question is to know for how much longer they can be competitive at the higheset level. The moment has come to bring new blood.”
